For Younger Students
We have organized this selection of books by age category from ages 0 to 12, but we encourage you to remember that learning has no age limit! These books are fun for theater lovers of all ages!
You can use the tabs below to navigate between each category!
Ages 0-3
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
Little Poet William Shakespeare: I Love You
Written by Kate Coombs & Illustrated by Carme Lemniscates
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you.” Little Poet William Shakespeare: I Love You pairs loving lines from The Bard’s famous plays and sonnets with engaging illustrations by Carme Lemniscates, letting parents, grandparents, and other readers tell toddlers how loved they are in Shakespeare’s own words.
Written by Kelly Bahney & Illustrated by Aprilia Muktirina
Learn the basics of Shakespeare with your early reader! Bring big ELA ideas to young scholars! These easy-to-understand explanations are appropriate for all ages. Engage with vibrant and captivating illustrations. This book includes introductions to: literary devices drama terms, Shakespearean characters, historical context. Exciting concepts that include: A is for Aside B is for Blocking C is for Catharsis. Even your teenager starting his or her introduction to Shakespeare can use this book as a handy reference!
Romeo & Juliet: A BabyLit® Counting Primer
Written by Jennifer Adams & Illustrated by Alison Oliver
Get swept away by Little Master Shakespeare’s tale of two star-crossed lovers in Romeo & Juliet: A BabyLit® Counting Primer. Count friends, kisses, love letters, and roses in this charming retelling of Shakespeare’s famous story of young love. Since parting from such a lovely little book will certainly bring feelings of sweet sorrow, you may find yourself re-reading 'till it be 'morrow!
A Midsummer Night's Dream: A BabyLit® Fairies Primer
Written by Jennifer Adams & Illustrated by Alison Oliver
The perfect lullaby for a magical midsummer night, and a beautiful way to introduce your little one to the Bard. Jennifer Adams’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s original lines and Alison Oliver’s whimsical illustrations bring the world of fairies to life and will enchant little ones for years to come
Ages 3-7
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
The Shakespeare Alphabet Book: An A-Z menagerie of Shakespearean proportions!
Written by Ehren Ziegler & Shannon Sneedse & Illustrated by Judy Ziegler
The Shakespeare Alphabet Book seeks to entertain, educate, and put a little silly into everything from Ariel to ‘Zounds! Each letter of the alphabet is paired with some of Shakespeare’s greatest characters, portrayed as animals dressed in Elizabethan fashion, and strung together with a simple rhyming narrative: “A is for Ariel, longing to be released.” “B is for Bottom, turned into a beast.” A gentle introduction for the beginner, a fond amusement for the connoisseur, and good fun for all.
Written by Saviour Pirotta & Illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski
When Hermia's father promises her hand in marriage to a man she doesn't want, she runs away to the forest with her true love, Lysander. But their escape gets turned upside down by the fairy king Oberon and the mischievous Puck, whose magic turns love into hate and men into beasts!
Written by Saviour Pirotta & Illustrated by Robert Dunn
Set children up to be successful readers of Shakespeare with this stunning picture book adaptation of The Tempest. Young readers will be enchanted by this tale of magical shipwrecks, the wizard Prospero, and his beautiful daughter, Miranda, as they find one another on a lonely island. Feel immersed in the salty ocean air and the sun-washed sand of this fairy-tale island with all-new illustrations in fresh colors.
Lit for Little Hands: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Written by Brooke Jorden & Illustrated by Olga Skomorokhova
Join Bottom the Weaver, Oberon and Titania, and the confused lovers in a series of events so outrageous it must be a dream! Filled with interactive wheels and pull-tabs, and lavishly illustrated, Lit for Little Hands: A Midsummer Night's Dream is an unprecedented, fun, entertaining, and stunning kid's introduction to William Shakespeare's beloved classic comedy. Unlike many board books that tackle the classics for kids, Lit for Little Hands tells the actual story in simple, child-friendly prose—here with engaging present-tense narrative to mimic the immediacy of a play. Gorgeous illustrations transport the reader from Athens to the enchanted woods, while tons of interactive elements invite kids to find the magical flower and switch Bottom's human head for a donkey's! Fans of the play will be delighted by the book's attention to detail and clever use of original dialogue. And the book's super-sturdy board means everyone can enjoy this outrageous tale over . . . and over . . . and over again!
Written by Saviour Pirotta & Illustrated by Alida Massari
The stars have aligned for children to become fans of Shakespeare with this stunning picture book adaptation Romeo and Juliet. Young readers will be transported to fair Verona with all new illustrations washed in warm, romantic colors Italian tile borders. Retold with all of the drama and classic heart of the original, children will fall in love for the first time with this Shakespearean masterpiece.
Ages 4-8
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
Flibbertigibbety Words: Young Shakespeare Chases Inspiration
Written by Donna Guthrie & Illustrated by Åsa Gilland
It all starts one morning when words fly into William’s window. He wants to catch them, but they are flibbertigibbety and quick and slip right through his fingers. Soon whole lines of verse are leading him on a wild goose chase as they tumble, dip, flip and skip all through town, past a host of colorful characters the observant reader may find as familiar as the quotes. William remains persistent, and with time and the proper tools he finds a way to keep the words with him. With quotes and sly references to the famous works of William Shakespeare and the words he invented, this adventurous ode to language will delight readers young and old.
Written & Illustrated by Bruce Koscielniak
An introduction to Shakespeare finds the English poet and playwright approached by a merry troupe of players seeking a lively new play to perform for the queen.
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Written by Shakespeare's Globe & Georghia Ellinas & Illustrated by Jane Ray
There’s trouble in the Fairy Kingdom. King Oberon wants to teach Titania, his proud wife, a lesson. Things heat up when four young nobles arrive in the enchanted forest from Athens. They’re all in love—but with the wrong person. It’s up to Puck, a playful sprite who isn’t above a bit of mischief after dark, to do his master’s bidding, trick Queen Titania, and dial down the drama among foolish lovers. With a certain potion at his disposal, what could go wrong? Retold from Puck’s point of view in simple, accessible language, peppered with quotes from Shakespeare’s original play, and brought to life in Jane Ray’s lush, moonlit illustrations, this introduction to the Bard’s most enchanting comedy hints at the richness of his work while being a lovely keepsake edition in its own right.
Crab & Will, A Tale of Shakespeare's Dog
Written by & Illustrated by Gregory Magnuson
William Shakespeare's dog craves a part of his own in one of Master Shakespeare's plays. People of all ages can follow Crab as he discovers his perfect part in a play. Bring on the Comedy, Tragedy, and History! This story is a unique and fun introduction for children to the world of Shakespeare. Children are introduced to historical figures and some of Shakespeare's greatest characters in this story about a lovable dog named Crab.
Written by Mo O'Hara & Illustrated by Andrew Joyner
Two dinosaurs whose species are sworn enemies want to become friends in New York Times bestselling author Mo O’Hara’s prehistoric spin on Shakespeare. In this hilarious take on Shakespeare for children 4 to 8—with dinosaurs instead of people—Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex get along perfectly well until they realize that their families should be mortal enemies! “Your family would eat mine,” says Romeosaurus, who comes from a family of herbivores. Yes, it’s true—Juliet Rex’s family are carnivores, and Romeosaurus’s family are plant-loving herbivores. With two families up in arms (very short ones for Juliet Rex) the two friends run away, determined not to let family baggage determine who their friends should be. With this funny take on the world’s most cherished love story, Mo O’Hara transforms Shakespeare into a relatable and truly funny dinosaur romp for young readers. Coupled to perfection with Andrew Joyner’s expressive and classic illustrations, this tale will get giggles while introducing the most beloved writer known to the world today.
Written by Tess Newall & Alex Goodwin
A Guinea Pig Romeo & Juliet tells the tragic tale of two star-crossed guinea pigs who fall in love at first nose twitch. When Romeo and Juliet meet in a crowded ballroom, they don't realize that their families are sworn enemies. Later that night, Romeo overhears Juliet declaring her love for him from her balcony, and the two hatch a plan to marry and escape. But their great romance is ruined by the family rivalry, which tears them apart and leads to their tragic demise. Portrayed with great heart by a darling cast of guinea pigs in adorable period costumes, A Guinea Pig Romeo & Juliet is Shakespeare as you've never seen him before.
Ages 6-10
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
William Shakespeare's The Tempest
Written by Georghia Ellinas & Illustrated by Jane Ray
Discover the Bard’s dazzling play about magic, revenge, and forgiveness, reimagined by Shakespeare’s Globe as a gorgeously illustrated picture book for children. “I told him that if I were a mortal, I would forgive them.” Ariel is a spirit of the air who can fly, ride on clouds, and glow bright as fire. When his master, the magician Prospero, is overthrown by his brother as the Duke of Milan, Ariel joins Prospero and his baby daughter on a journey that will bring them to a beautiful island ruled by the monstrous Caliban — and to a series of events that lead to a vengeful storm, confounding spells, true romance, and a master who is persuaded to give his transgressors a second chance. Narrated from Ariel’s perspective, the story is told in language that is true to the original play but accessible to all. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Jane Ray, this captivating retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world’s greatest playwright.
The Boy, The Bear, The Baron, The Bard
Written & Illustrated by Gregory Rogers
A comic romp through Shakespeare's London featuring an intrepid little boy, a friendly bear, and -in the role of dastardly villain- the Bard himself. What happens when a boy bursts through the curtain of a deserted theatre and onto the world's most famous stage? He lands on the Bard himself and the chase is on-through the streets of Shakespeare's London. This is a rare and inventive visual feast-a runaway story about a curious boy, a magic cloak, a grumpy bard, a captive bear and a baron bound for the chopping block. It is also a richly illustrated, dramatic and very funny tale of adventure and friendship.
Tales from Shakespeare: Julius Caesar: Retold in Modern Day English
Written by Timothy Knapman & Illustrated by Yaniv Shimony
Julius Caesar, a powerful and respected Roman, is warned by a fortune-teller that danger is ahead. Caesar's enemies are conspiring against him! The omens look bad in this tragic tale of power, war and ambition. Combining modern-day English with stunning illustrations, QEB's Tales from Shakespeare bring the Bard's popular plays to life. Lively and easy-to-read, they are sure to capture your imagination!
Written by Rebecca Piatt Davidson & Illustrated by Anita Lobel & Caldecott Honor
This is young William, / His mind all ablaze, / Who stays up all night / Writing poems and plays.
And this is a book, unforgettable and wise, that applauds inspiration, creation, story, and the world and works of William Shakespeare.
Written & Illustrated by Gregory Rogers
Gregory Rogers is back with a new wordless adventure every bit as funny and inspired as The Boy, The Bear, The Baron, The Bard. Here the Bear returns as a soldier whose daydreams are interrupted by Shakespeare's fairy, Puck--the Boy in the previous book. Soon Bear finds himself hurtled into an enchanted world replete with treacherous doings, sinister plots and, of course, palace dungeons. Is Bear truly a swashbuckler? Will he ever escape?
A Stage Full Of Shakespeare Stories: 12 Tales From The Bard Retold For Children
Written by Angela McAllister & Illustrated by Alice Lindstrom
Get lost in Shakespeare’s most loved stories with this beautiful anthology of some of the most popular stories in the world. Introduce the children in your life to a collection of the most important stories every written, collected and retold by the much-loved author Angela McAllister. Featuring classics such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Othello, each story is rewritten in a comprehensive way that is accessible for children. This perfectly sized anthology is stunningly illustrated by collage artist Alice Lindstrom whose incredible artwork makes these stories dance to life before your very eyes.
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare
Written by Diane Stanley & Peter Vennema & Illustrated by Diane Stanley
Celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare's legacy with this repackage of award-winning author Diane Stanley's tribute to the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. This non-fiction picture book covers the fact that nobody knows exactly when or why William Shakespeare left his boyhood home of Stratford-on-Avon for the great city of London, but it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself. His plays are now performed almost every day in just about every part of the world; even people who've never seen them use words and phrases he introduced into the English language. How did a man from an unremarkable family create a legacy that the world, even 400 years after his death, has never forgotten? There will always be unsolved mysteries about Shakespeare, but what we do know of his life, his times, and his theater makes for a very dramatic story.
Hooray for Mr William Shakespeare!: A Sticker Activity Book
Written by Marcia Williams
Marcia Williams adapts some of her own Shakespeare retellings into fun, interactive lessons on his works with these activity books! Scenes from the plays are accompanied by dialogue, description, and commentary as well as puzzles, games, exercises, and plenty of opportunities to draw, color, and apply the more than 100 stickers found in each book. Help Macbeth find his way home through the mist, dress Titania in her Fairy Queen costume for A Midsummer Night's Dream, and put the actors onstage for a performance of Romeo and Juliet in this activity book. Here too are scenes from The Tempest and Hamlet, all adapted from Marcia Williams's Mr. William Shakespeare's Plays (or Tales from Shakespeare in the U.S. edition).
Written by Megan McDonald & Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
It’s spring break, and Stink is faced with a difficult choice: hang out at home with his sister, Judy, or become a Shakespeare Sprite with his friend Sophie of the Elves. Hanged be! When Sophie tells Stink that there will be swordplay and cursing at Shakespeare camp, his choice is made. But wait! How now? The eager young thespian hadn’t counted on Riley Rottenberger being a Sprite, too. And he positively had not counted on being the only boy! Fie upon’t!
William Shakespeare & the Globe
Written & Illustrated by Aliki
With her characteristically sprightly words and pictures, Aliki brings Shakespeare's life, times, and legacy to life in this highly acclaimed information-packed treasury that is truly for readers of all ages. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice and a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. From Hamlet to Romeo and Juliet to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's celebrated works have touched people around the world. Aliki combines literature, history, biography, archaeology, and architecture in this richly detailed and meticulously researched introduction to Shakespeare's world-his life in Elizabethan times, the theater world, and the Globe, for which he wrote his plays. Then she brings history full circle to the present-day reconstruction of the Globe theater.
Ages 7-11
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
Written by Glenda Armand & Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor s lines for all of Shakespeare s plays. Ira just knew he could be a great Shakespearean actor if only given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Ira s only option was to perform musical numbers at the all-black theater in New York city. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe. Illustrated by award-winning artist Floyd Cooper, Ira s Shakespeare Dream is a captivating tribute to the inspiring life of Ira Aldridge, and to the renowned works of William Shakespeare.
Mr. William Shakespeares Plays
Written by Marcia Williams
This title presents seven classic Shakespeare plays in an accessible comic strip format. Take your place in the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day to see seven of his best-loved plays in performance. "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Macbeth", "Julius Caesar", "The Winter's Tale" and "The Tempest" are all brought vividly to life in Marcia Williams' gloriously accessible comic-strip versions, which include the bard's own dialogue and the rowdy remarks of the audience. Mr. William Shakespeare's Plays has sold over 50,000 copies since it was first published in 1998. Reissued with a new cover look, this brings Marcia Williams' dramatic take on Shakespeare right up to date for a modern audience.
Written by Christopher Lloyd & Dr. Nick Walton & Illustrated by Andy Forshaw
William Shakespeare’s plays are presented as never before, with all 38 masterpieces simultaneously performed in front of you on a 6-foot fold-out timeline set in the iconic Globe Theatre. Spot the ghosts, hunt for the murderers, discover the poison, and revel in Elizabethan romance as each play unfolds. Concise plot summaries, key textual quotes, and carefully illustrated scenes help pinpoint the action. Developed in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the timeline also features essential moments in Shakespeare's life, providing a unique narrative context to the works of the world's favourite bard. These are written in the form of 40 newspaper articles in an easy-to-read chronicle, and feature important events such as the first sale of Shakespeare’s works and the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre. Other features include a page of letters to the editor, a fifty-question quiz, and pocket magnifier to make it easy and fun to explore all the timeline’s details. This timeline is essential for all curious minds in a world where loving learning matters more than ever before. It is perfect for children, but equally fascinating for drama lovers of any age! You can enjoy this timeline many ways: unfolding it on the floor, reading it like a book or detaching it to stick it to the wall.
Pop-up Shakespeare: Every Play and Poem in Pop-up 3-D
Written by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Austin Tinchenor, & Reed Martin & Illustrated by Jennie Maizels
Read about William Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and poems as you never have before in an entertaining pop-up book collaboration between the internationally known comedy troupe the Reduced Shakespeare Company and best-selling illustrator Jennie Maizels. Featuring five interactive spreads filled with dramatic pop-ups, fun foldouts, hilarious summaries, and fascinating commentaries, this is the perfect introduction to one of the world’s greatest playwrights and his enduring works.
Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
Written by Jane Sutcliffe & Illustrated John Shelley
A celebration of the words, phrases, and idioms that Shakespeare invented and the contributions he made to the modern-day English lexicon. The Bard of Avon is responsible for familiar phrases such as "what's done is done" and "too much of a good thing." He even helped turn "household words" into household words. As readers will discover, "the long and the short of it" is this: Will changed the English language forever. Will's words pop up all over the place!
Winter Song: A Poem by William Shakespeare
Written by William Shakespeare & Illustrated by Melanie Hall
Charming illustrations open the door to the world of William Shakespeare. Icicles hang by the wall, children's noses are red and raw, and Joan is busy in the kitchen stirring the pot. It is winter in Shakespeare's England. Shakespeare wrote a number of songs for his own productions. Among the most charming is "Winter Song," performed at the end of his romantic comedy Lover's Labor's Lost. Melanie Hall's illustrated version of the poem is filled with bold and beautiful images that bring to life the wintry world of Elizabethan England. This book is a great way to have your children engage with the actual text of Shakespeare’s work in a fun, creative, and entertaining way!
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth
Written by Ian Lendler & Illustrated by Zack Giallongo
The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo... until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails, in The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth. Ian Lendler's hilarious tale of after-hours animal stagecraft is perfectly paired with the adorable, accessible artwork of Zack Giallongo (Broxo, Ewoks). And with Romeo and Juliet coming in book two, this is a promising new series of graphic novels for young readers.
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet
Written by Ian Lendler & Illustrated by Zack Giallongo
The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo . . . until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails. Ian Lendler's hilarious tale of after-hours animal stagecraft is perfectly paired with the adorable, accessible artwork of Zack Giallongo (Broxo, Ewoks) in this side-splitting companion to their graphic novel The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth
Written by Edith Nesbit & Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo
A beautifully illustrated collection of prose retellings of seven Shakespeare plays will bring the Bard to life for young readers. Not only is this a beautiful keepsake edition, full of gorgeous illustrations by Antonio Javier Caparo, but the prose retellings by beloved classic children’s book author E. Nesbit are an excellent tool to introduce children to the complex language of Shakespeare.
A foreword by John Lithgow touches on his own childhood as a Shakespearean actor and the importance of Shakespeare. The book contains extensive support materials, including a biography, a timeline of Shakespeare’s life, and further recommended readings.
In this volume, you will find:
Romeo and Juliet
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Twelfth Night
Hamlet
Macbeth
The Tempest
Much Ado About Nothing
Ages 8-12
Hover over the images to see a description of the book, then if you want to buy the story, click the underlined book title or the top bit of the image itself and you will be redirected to a buying link!
Poetry for Kids: William Shakespeare
Written by Dr. Marguerite Tassi & Illustrated by Merce Lopez
Love! Betrayal! Ambition! Tragedy! Jealousy! William Shakespeare's universal themes continue to resonate with readers of all ages more than 400 years after his death.
This wonderful, fully illustrated book introduces children to the Bard and more than thirty of his most famous and accessible verses, sonnets, and speeches. From “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” to “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!” and “All the world’s a stage,” the words and poetry of the greatest playwright and poet spring to life on the page.
The next generation of readers, poets, and actors will be entranced by these works of Shakespeare. Each poem is illustrated and includes an explanation by an expert and definitions of important words to give kids and parents the fullest explanation of their content and impact
Written by Marcia Williams
Seven classic Shakespeare plays are presented in an accessible comic strip format. The Globe Theatre is delighted to announce a new season of Mr. William Shakespeare's plays! Prithee take your place once more for a performance of seven of the Bard's finest tales. See "As You Like It", "Antony and Cleopatra", "Richard III", "Twelfth Night", "King Lear", "The Merchant of Venice" and "Much Ado About Nothing" - each brilliantly presented in dramatic comic-strip form, including Mr Shakespeare's own dialogue and the riotous remarks of the audience. Bravo! Reissued with a new cover look, this brings Marcia Williams' dramatic take on Shakespeare right up-to-date for a modern audience.
The Shakespeare Stories: Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet
Written by Andrew Matthews & Illustrated by Tony Ross
Discover the literary world of Shakespeare with these fantastic kid-friendly retellings of his most famous works. From the ghostly adventures of Hamlet to the fairy-filled romp of A Midsummer Night's Dream, these stories come alive with illustrations throughout that capture the humor and drama from the original stories. This set is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young readers!
Written by Elise Broach
Starting sixth grade at a new school is never easy, especially when your name is Hero. Named after a character in a Shakespeare play, Hero isn't at all interested in this literary connection. But when she's told by an eccentric neighbor that there might be a million dollar diamond hidden in her new house and that it could reveal something about Shakespeare's true identity, Hero is determined to live up to her name and uncover the mystery.
Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities
Written by Colleen Aagesen & Margie Blumberg
Kids can experience William Shakespeare’s England and get their first taste of the Bard’s sublime craft with this lively biography and activity book. Staging swordplay, learning to juggle, and creating authentic costumes like a flamboyant shirt with slashed sleeves or a lady’s lace-trimmed glove bring the theater arts to life. Making a quill pen and using it to write a story, binding a simple book by hand, creating a fragrant pomander ball and a dish of stewed apples show what daily life was like in Elizabethan times. Inspired by scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, kids can invent new words, write songs, and devise scathing or comical insults just as he did. Fascinating and accurate historical information and 21 fun activities open a dramatic new world of learning for children ages 8 and up.
Written by Celest Mannis & Who HQ & Illustrated by John O'Brien
The beloved plays of Shakespeare are still produced everywhere, yet the life of the world's most famous playwright remains largely a mystery. Young Will left the town of Stratford to pursue theater in London, where his work eventually thrived and made him a famous and wealthy man. With black-and-white illustrations that include a diagram of the famous Globe theater, Celeste Davidson Mannis puts together the pieces of Shakespeare's life and work for young readers.
Shakespeare's Stories for Young Readers
Written by Edith Nesbit
Twelve of Shakespeare's greatest tales come to life in this entertaining collection of short, lively stories specially adapted for young readers. Capturing the vital events and using some of the original wording, the stories serve as a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for preteens and as literate refreshers for older folks.
Fulfilling a request from her own children, author Edith Nesbit turned twelve of the Bard's most famous plays into delightful tales of kings, queens, ghosts, and witches. Filled with tragedy, humor, and moral lessons, the stories — told with wit and grace — include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, King Lear, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cymbeline, The Taming of the Shrew, Pericles, and The Winter's Tale.
Wonderfully transformed by the noted author of children's books, these classics are a great way to start a lifelong interest in the works of Shakespeare.
Written by Leon Garfield & Illustrated by Michael Foreman
How to introduce children to Shakespeare, not just to the stories behind the plays but to the richness of Shakespeare’s language and the depth of his characters: That’s the challenge that Leon Garfield, no slouch as a wordsmith himself, sets out to meet in his monumental and utterly absorbing Shakespeare Stories. Here twenty-one of the Bard’s plays are refashioned into stories that are true to the wit, the humor, the wisdom, the sublime heights, the terrifying depths, and above all the poetry of their great originals. Throughout, Garfield skillfully weaves in Shakespeare’s own words, accustoming young readers to language and lines that might at first seem forbiddingly unfamiliar. Leon Garfield’s Shakespeare Stories is an essential distillation—a truly Shakespearean tribute to Shakespeare’s genius and a delight for children and parents alike.
Escape to Shakespeare's World: A Colouring Book Adventure
Illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors
A beautiful, intricate coloring book, full of romantic, inspirational and dramatic quotes from the favorite plays and poems of William Shakespeare. An ideal choice for older children and adults, in a beautiful square format designed to fit comfortably into handbag, briefcase or schoolbag. Gloriously intricate illustrations provide a soothing occupation for the millions of fans of adult coloring books. A perfect way to celebrate Shakespeare 400.
Written by Marcia Williams
Grab a seat as Marcia Williams wields her popular comic-book style to bring As You Like It, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, and Richard III vividly to life while evoking the mood, mischief, and manners of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Elizabethan theater. As in her previous volume Tales from Shakespeare, Williams blends her own storytelling skill with Shakespeare's rich dialogue to make these masterpieces accessible to even the most reluctant reader. Bravo!
The Shakespeare Stories: Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet
Written by Andrew Matthews & Illustrated by Tony Ross
Discover the literary world of Shakespeare with these fantastic kid-friendly retellings of his most famous works. From the murderous adventures of Macbeth to the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, these stories come alive with illustrations throughout that capture the humor and drama from the original stories. This set is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young readers!
Usborne Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare
Written by Usborne Books
This is a wonderful collection of six retellings of William Shakespeare's best-loved plays - a perfect mix of comedy, tragedy, magic and romance, retold for younger readers. It is full of colourful illustrations from the Usborne Young Reading Programme. It contains the plays "A Midummer Night's Dream", "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", "The Tempest", and "Twelfth Night". It also includes a section at the back on the life and times of Shakespeare.
Beautiful Stories From Shakespeare For Children
Written by Edith Nesbit & Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
William Shakespeare is arguably the most pivotal and widely read figure in the history of English literature. This comprehensive collection highlights some of the bard’s best works, adapted to be more easily read and digestible for children.
Featured within are some of the bard’s most famous and compelling works, including:
The Comedy of Errors
Hamlet
Macbeth
The Merchant of Venice
Othello
Romeo and Juliet
The Tempest
And many more!
Paired alongside gorgeous classic illustrations by notable Golden Age illustrator Arthur Rackham, Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare for Children makes a magnificent gift and great addition to any young reader’s budding library.
Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave: The Shakespeare Mysteries
Written by Deron R. Hicks & Illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer
Twelve-year-old Colophon Letterford has a serious mystery on her hands. Will she discover the link between her family’s literary legacy and Shakespeare’s tomb before it’s too late? Antique paintings, secret passages, locked mausoleums, a four-hundred-year-old treasure, and a cast of quirky (and some ignoble) characters all add up to a fun original adventure. Readers will revel in a whirlwind journey through literary time and space in real-world locales from Mont St. Michel to Stratford-Upon-Avon to Central Park!
Written by Tina Packer & Illustrated by K. Nelson & B. Moser
Ten of Shakespeare's most powerful, enduring plays are brilliantly retold here as great tales of love, jealousy, madness, comedy, vengeance, and heroics.
All The World's a Stage: A Novel in Five Acts
Written by Gretchen Woelfle & Illustrated by Thomas Cox
Suddenly a hand gripped the back of his neck. "Cutpurse!" Kit is caught! Twelve-year-old orphan Kit Buckles, seeking his fortune in Elizabethan London, has bungled his first job as a pickpocket at the Theatre Playhouse where the Lord Chamberlain?s Men are performing. To avoid jail, Kit agrees to work for the playhouse and soon grows fond of the life there: the dramas on- and offstage. Things get truly exciting when Kit joins the plot to steal the playhouse from the landlord who has evicted the company.
Written by Samantha Newman & Illustrated by Khoa Le
This beautifully illustrated compendium brings the Bard's timeless tales to life for a younger generation, with wit and panache.
Sam Newman's cleverly reworked text retains many of Shakespeare's own inimitable turns of phrase, while simplifying and clarifying the language to make stories accessible to children.
The opulent full-color illustrations by award-winning illustrator Khoa Le's will delight young and old alike.
Stories include:
• Antony and Cleopatra
• As You Like It
• Comedy of Errors
• Hamlet
• King Lear
• Love's Labour's Lost
• Macbeth
• The Merchant of Venice
• A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Much Ado About Nothing
• Othello
• Romeo and Juliet
• The Tempest
• The Winter's Tale
• Twelfth Night
Written by Barbara Dee
Mattie is chosen to play Romeo opposite her crush in the eighth grade production of Shakespeare’s most beloved play in this Romeo and Juliet inspired novel from the author of Truth or Dare.
Mattie, a star student and passionate reader, is delighted when her English teacher announces the eighth grade will be staging Romeo and Juliet. And she is even more excited when, after a series of events, she finds herself playing Romeo, opposite Gemma Braithwaite’s Juliet. Gemma, the new girl at school, is brilliant, pretty, outgoing—and, if all that wasn’t enough: British.
As the cast prepares for opening night, Mattie finds herself growing increasingly attracted to Gemma and confused, since, just days before, she had found herself crushing on a boy named Elijah. Is it possible to have a crush on both boys AND girls? If that wasn’t enough to deal with, things backstage at the production are starting to rival any Shakespearean drama! In this sweet and funny look at the complicated nature of middle school romance, Mattie learns how to be the lead player in her own life.
Written by Zilpha Keatley Snyde
After a year living with Aunt Fiona, William is off to audition for the role of Puck in a summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But getting the part is just the beginning. Now William has to deal with a jealous rival out to sabotage him, a not-so-secret admirer, and the way the Baggetts still haunt him in nightmares. William’s summer is filled with acting and costumes and applause, but he still worries sometimes that he and his younger siblings will never be able to shake off the past. But when the Baggetts show up again, William realizes that he is braver than he thought, and that all will turn out okay.
A Midsummer Night's Fairytale: Shakespeare's Classic Play With a Fairytale Twist
Written by Suzanne Tye
“In this same interlude it doth befall that I, Prince Charming, present’th ball. Not such a ball as I would have you think, but more a discotheque with lights that blink. At which, the prince and servant girl did meet, and there they boogied to my disco beat.” Hansel and Red Riding Hood flee into the magical woods, pursued by the Big Bad Wolf and Goldilocks the woodcutter’s daughter. That same night a crew of cliché characters rehearse a play, the most lamentable romance and cruel death of Prince Charming and Cinderella, only to find themselves in the midst of a quarrel between the Queen of Hearts and her mischievous husband. This adaption is designed to make A Midsummer Night’s Dream fun and relatable for children to perform, watch and read. The wit and beauty of much of Shakespeare’s verse is maintained along with the inclusion of familiar fairy tale characters and themes.
Assassin's Code: Book 1 (The Shakespeare Plot)
Written by Alex Woolf
“There are dangers here . . . Plots are being hatched. People aren’t all they seem.”
Journey back in time to Elizabethan London where schemers lurk and deadly traps await—and meet some real-life characters, including William Shakespeare himself.
Alice Fletcher works—disguised as a boy—as a stagehand at the renowned Globe Theatre. When her brother mysteriously vanishes after delivering a coded message in a seedy area of London, she seeks the help of Tom Cavendish, servant to the power-hungry Earl of Essex. But could she and Tom be getting themselves in deeper than they bargained for? Rich with the heady atmosphere of political intrigue—including a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth—and featuring such historical figures as Sir Francis Bacon and the Bard, this swiftly paced, suspenseful story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
The Shakespeare Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained
Written by DK
The Shakespeare Book brings the work of William Shakespeare to life with full-color photography, images, idea webs, timelines, and quotes that help you understand the context of Shakespeare's plays and poems.
From Shakespeare's most-famous plays, such as Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, to less-frequently performed works such as King John and Henry VIII, every play of the Shakespearean canon is collected in this comprehensive guide, along with his major poems and best-loved sonnets.
In The Shakespeare Book each play includes an at-a-glance guide to story chronology, so you can easily get back on track if you get lost in Shakespeare's language. Character guides provide a handy reference for casual readers and an invaluable resource for playgoers, and students writing reports on Shakespeare.
Packed with infographics and explanations of plots and including an introduction to Shakespeare's life and times, The Shakespeare Book is the ultimate guide to understanding the work of William Shakespeare.
William Shakespeare A Very Peculiar History
Written by Jacqueline Mortly & Illustrated by David Salariya
Is it true that Shakespeare's father couldn't read or write? What really happened during his "Lost Years?" Why did he retire from writing while only in his early 40s? William Shakespeare: A Very Peculiar History explores the life and work of the man generally considered the greatest writer in the English language. By dispelling common myths and revealing fascinating trivia, and briefly examining all his major plays, this little gift book attempts to answer many of the often-disputed questions about the Bard.
Book Series
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No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels: Romeo & Juliet
Written by SparkNotes & Illustrated by Matt Wiegle
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels is a series based on the translated texts of the plays found in No Fear Shakespeare. The original No Fear series made Shakespeare’s plays much easier to read, but these dynamic visual adaptations are impossible to put down. Each of the titles is illustrated in its own unique style, but all are distinctively offbeat, slightly funky, and appealing to teen readers.
Each book will feature:
Illustrated cast of characters
A helpful plot summary
Illustrations that show the reader exactly what’s happening in each scene—making the plot and characters even clearer than in the original No Fear Shakespeare books.
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels: Macbeth
Written by SparkNotes & Illustrated by Ken Hoshine
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels is a series based on the translated texts of the plays found in No Fear Shakespeare. The original No Fear series made Shakespeare’s plays much easier to read, but these dynamic visual adaptations are impossible to put down. Each of the titles is illustrated in its own unique style, but all are distinctively offbeat, slightly funky, and appealing to teen readers.
Each book will feature:
Illustrated cast of characters
A helpful plot summary
Illustrations that show the reader exactly what’s happening in each scene—making the plot and characters even clearer than in the original No Fear Shakespeare books.
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels: Hamlet
Written by SparkNotes & Illustrated by Neil Babra
No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels is a series based on the translated texts of the plays found in No Fear Shakespeare. The original No Fear series made Shakespeare’s plays much easier to read, but these dynamic visual adaptations are impossible to put down. Each of the titles is illustrated in its own unique style, but all are distinctively offbeat, slightly funky, and appealing to teen readers.
Each book will feature:
Illustrated cast of characters
A helpful plot summary
Illustrations that show the reader exactly what’s happening in each scene—making the plot and characters even clearer than in the original No Fear Shakespeare books.
Written & Illustrated by Gareth Hinds
Gareth Hinds’s stylish graphic adaptation of the Bard’s romantic tragedy offers modern touches — including a diverse cast that underscores the story’s universality.
She’s a Capulet. He’s a Montague. But when Romeo and Juliet first meet, they don’t know they’re from rival families — and when they find out, they don’t care. Their love is honest and raw and all consuming.But it’s also dangerous. How much will they have to sacrifice before they can be together?In a masterful adaptation faithful to Shakespeare’s original text, Gareth Hinds transports readers to the sun-washed streets and market squares of Shakespeare’s Verona, vividly bringing the classic play to life on the printed page.
Written & Illustrated by Gareth Hinds
Shakespeares classic story of dark ambitions madness and murder springs to life in a masterful new graphic novel by Gareth Hinds Set against the moody backdrop of eleventh-century Scotland Gareth Hindss captivating richly illustrated interpretation takes readers into the claustrophobic mind of a man driven mad by ambition An evil seed takes root in the mind of Macbeth a general in the kings army when three witches tell him he will one day be king At the urging of his wife he resolves to take the throne by the most direct path a dagger in the heart of King Duncan But blood will have blood and when others grow suspicious of his sudden rise to power is Macbeth prepared to commit more murders to keep the crown
Written & Illustrated by Gareth Hinds
In a graceful adaptation, Gareth Hinds transforms Shakespeare’s timeless tale of pride and defiance, loyalty and ambition, betrayal and revenge into graphic-novel format, packing it with visual drama and providing accessible notes. This artful edition — like an extraordinary stage performance — offers a striking new perspective on one of the most powerful and beloved tragedies in the English language. Incorporating excerpts from the bard’s own language, Gareth Hinds’s inventive format opens the experience of King Lear to students and fans of graphic literature.
Written & Illustrated by Gareth Hinds
With elegant, contemporary artwork and a faithful but succinct adaptation, this graphic novel casts a classic drama in a provocative new light.
Here is the tale of young Bassanio, who, to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender Shylock. Only Bassanio’s heartfelt efforts — and a clever intervention by Portia — will save Antonio from paying Shylock "a pound of flesh." Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic novel adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s more controversial plays boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark, familiar beauty of Venice.
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